Laysan Albatross (Moli)

(Phoebastria immutabilis)

Where: Oahu, HI • Ka'ena Point

Notes: Watching this seabird glide so masterfully in the stiff sea breeze, makes the seven mile round trip hike out to the point well worth the effort. We were not sure if all the young "Gooney Birds" would have fledged by now, but we had go to see. As we approached the peninsula, the first sighting of an adult bird let us know they were still there. This bird's six and a half foot wingspan makes it an impressive sight. Their flight seems effortless. Soon after entering the nest colony area, we saw the first chick. It was nearly full grown, but still had some dark gray down feathers around its head. We saw it spreading its wings into the wind, practicing for its first flight. These birds eat squid primarily, but will also eat fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Juvenile birds return to the colony three years after fledging, but do not mate for the first time until seven or eight years old. During these four or five years they form pair bonds with a mate that they will keep for life.